Four arrested over Werribee Airbnb riot

Police remained at the scene hours after the party. Some of their colleagues had been forced to retreat in the face of violence and stone-throwing. Photo: Jason South

Four more youths have been arrested following last month’s trashing and riot at a Werribee rented Airbnb house.

Wyndham Crime Investigation Unit detectives made four further arrests today in relation to the party which caused extensive damage to the Attunga Grove house on December 20.

Police attending the scene were forced to retreat when they were pelted with rocks by some of the youths. One policeman sustained a minor elbow injury during the incident.

The riot attracted a large police response, including police from the Public Order Response Team and the Critical Incident Response Team, and party goers were dispersed without further incident.

Today’s arrests follow the arrest of a 15-year-old Kurunjang boy, who has been charged with aggravated burglary, criminal damage and armed robbery. He is also expected to be charged in relation to the riot and has been remanded to appear at a children’s court at a later date.

A 16-year-old Tarneit boy has also been charged with criminal damage and assault and has been bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date.

Meanwhile, three other Tarneit teens were interviewed and released pending further enquiry.

In a statement released this morning, Victoria Police said the incident was still being investigated and further arrests anticipated.

Earlier this week, Victoria Police Acting Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said he would have liked to see more arrests following the Werribee Airbnb riot, after the tactical police commander that evening issued an order to disperse the youths as the most appropriate approach.

“Would I have liked to have seen people arrested at that time? Yes, obviously if we could have, I would have loved to have seen more people arrested then … but let’s not second-guess that tactical commander on the street.

“I support what they’ve done, we’ve now got a subsequent investigation flowing into that, and that investigation will continue to determine whether we can arrest anybody.

“We understand our role, and what it is. It’s about public safety, it’s about enforcement.